Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Here’s What People Are Saying About TSA Pre✓™

Travelers around the country
are moving through airports with greater ease as a result of TSA Pre✓™, the expedited
screening program that allows pre-approved travelers to leave on their shoes,
light outerwear and beltsand keep laptops in
their case. TSA Pre✓™ is now at more
than 115 U.S.
airports and with nine air carriers (Alaska Airlines, American Airlines,
Delta Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United
Airlines, US Airways and Virgin America). But we have no intention of stopping
there—we are looking for more opportunities to expand the TSA Pre✓™ population every day.

To date, tens of millions of
passengers have enjoyed shorter screening times as a result of TSA Pre✓™.

Travelers interested in applying for TSA Pre✓™ should go here
to begin the pre-enrollment process. All TSA Pre✓™ program applicants must then visit an application
center— like the new center at Washington Dulles International Airport— in
person to verify
their identity and citizenship/immigration status as well as to provide
biographical information, (e.g. name, date of birth, address, etc.) and
fingerprints. You can find a full listing of the more
than 200TSA Pre✓™ applications
centers here. TSA Pre✓™ is just one way we are moving away from the one-size
fits all security. But don’t just take our word for it.

Below is a sampling of what
people across the country have been saying recently about TSA Pre✓™:

67 comments:

Petaluma
said...

From FT:

"Yep -- this was the TSA's objective all along and it has worked like a charm. I've written before that Precheck is no different than the Communist system of privileges. They doled them out as necessary to instill loyalty to the government and the fear of it, because the people lived with the fear that the government could withdraw those privileges at any time for any reason. Living in fear of the government is a good thing -- if you're the government."

As I understand it, I could go through the pre-enrollment process, then visit an application center to prove who I am. Then, still risk not being chosen for the pre-check line when I fly. It only increases my odds. It's just not worth the extra time, cost and effort. Thanks, but no. I'll kick my shoes off.

I continue to wait for some justification for active duty military being included in pre-check, but not retired military or holders of current DoD or LE background investigations. military retirees have at least 20 years documented service to this Nation, pretty much proving their lack of risk. both DoD and LE background investigations should reveal any risk factors. active duty military do not, necessarily, have a background check or any significant length of service. neither citizenship nor a background investigation is required to enlist in the military, in fact there are likely illegal immigrants serving. if it is really about safety, then why are potentially unscreened non-citizens allowed through? sounds like it is just pandering to an admirable group to get PR, not adjusting the rules to ease screening on those who present a lower likelihood of threat.Let me be clear: pre-911 screening should be the norm. it is all that is required, now that cockpit doors have been reinforced and locked, and flight crews and passengers know that the rules have changed and passivity=death. however, if we are going to continue this massive waste of tax dollars on security theatre, at least have _some_ of the rules make sense.

what people are REALLY saying about Pre[check] is that it should be the norm for screening, that TSA has no data to back up their policies, and being charged $85 for a partial return of a Constitutionally protected right is downright disgusting.

So where is the evidence that PreCheck is actually a cost-effective investment in improved security as compared to pre-9/11 procedures plus locked cockpit doors? Why is TSA attempting to exempt PreCheck from the Privacy Act? Why do I always see 200 people in the non-PreCheck line for every 1 in the PreCheck line, such that the TSA employees in the PreCheck line are sitting around doing nothing most of the time?

TSA pre-check is great IF you are able-bodied and don't need a wheelchair or mobility assistive device at an airport! It seems that in the process of designing pre-check, no one figured out how to manage those of us who need assistance. At DCA and LAS I was turned away because the wheelchair in which I was being pushed wasn't allowed to go through pre-check. It seems if you can stand a bit you can go through and the wheelchair and its pusher have to go all the way around. BOO! There's gotta be a better way.

I have been a member of Global Entry for three years. I have a hip replacement, and both knees replaced.Unless I go through the scan(not always available) I have to go through a complete pat down?There should be another way???

I really appreciate getting TSA Pre - which I think was a result of getting my NEXUS pass recently. Makes the flight a little more relaxing not to wait in a long line to be screened. Great idea, folks!

Why are NON-TSA Pre-checked passengers routinely herded into the TSA Pre-check lane at the San Diego Int'[l Airport?This is the only airport that I have been at that does this. When I have asked TSA Agents in San Diego about why I had to pay a fee to get Pre-checked to allow me to use theTSA Pre-check lanes, and other passengers do not, they rudely inform me that "they don't make the rules."This procedure involves people that are NOT TSA Pre-checked to slow the screening process by being confused about what they have to do to get through the TSA Pre-check lanes.Why is TSA requiring a fee in order to be TSA Pre-checked and yet, allowing NON-TSA Pre-checked passengers toi psss through the TSA Pre-checked lanes without having to pay for such a privilege?Thomas Streed, Ph.D.

I registered through United airlines and so far have been sucessful to use twice out of the last 8 flights. when selected it works great but the randon aspect of it does not allow shorter schedules as you can't depend on beng able to use it every time. Every time I as why or why not, I'm told " Well Sir it is Randome"!!!

Pre check is a bad idea. I was selected at random twice and I appreciate the easier process, but why should I trust all those other people?? Do you think for a minute that terrorist types can't figure out who has precheck so they can somehow force them to sneak whatever aboard. I'm not sure I'd even trust the military....have you been reading the news lately? It took us a long time to train the public about what security was needed to fly. Even though it has it's faults at least it was somewhat uniform. This isn't about convenience...it's about security.

Pre-Check is great until the line is clogged with people who were diverted over to the Pre-Check line because theirs was too long and who have no idea how Pre-Check functions. Either keep Pre-Check for those who qualified for it or screen everyone according to Pre-Check rules.

The new procedures are a help, somewhat. After years of refusing to fly because of the TSA screenings, my wife talked me into flying instead of driving when she got us both Pre-screened type tickets. On the flight down to Florida everything was wonderful. TSA screening was not bad at all. When we went to the airport for our return flight home everything was the same for my wife but totally different for me. I was wearing my Marine Corp Tee-shirt and Pro-American baseball cap. I was made to empty all pockets, take off my shoes and cap. I was scanned for metal and then had a complete pat down. It did not end there. I was then checked for bomb making residue with the small pads and then the pads are checked with a machine. My shoes were checked for residue also. I told them to make it a complete check and have fun because I would not be flying anymore, period. I make sure they knew that I had stood by this country during the Vietnam war and did not turn against America back in the 60's and I surely would not do so now. My friends have told me that any Pro-American or Pro-Military clothing is a red flag in the eyes of our government and I should not wear those items to an airport. They asked me if I was going to go back to driving like the rest of us.? I think you what my answer was. I never said anything that would send up a red flag and I was not drinking, so you can forget them ideas.!

I don´t qualify for Pre, because I am not American, and don´t live in the US. I am also not Dutch, South Korean or Mexican, so I can´t qualify through Global Entry. I am not Canadian, so I can´t apply for Sentri. Therefore, I am forced to go through the whole ridiculous US screening, choosing between being scanned or groped, taking my shoes off, etc.

Except of course when I am flying into and/or over the US, which I do without body scanners or taking off my shoes.

It's easy to expand the PreCheck protocols. Just make them the standard screening process for all travelers, with the possible exception of those possessing travel documents from certain, untrustworthy countries.

It would save traveler time, money and decrease the size of TSA's payroll.

So let me see if I understand.... if I voluntarily surrender my right to privacy, voluntarily allow you to further breach my Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights, I can have the magic precheck card that may, or may not, let me skip to the front of the line in some airports.

How can anyone just be selected out of a line for Managed Inclusion to Pre Check with any confidence they are less of a security concern?

John Pistole himself answered that question for you in a letter to the NY Times last week:

"The constant vigilance of more than 3,000 behavior-detection officers enables T.S.A. to expedite the screening of 150,000 low-risk passengers each day as part of our risk-based security."

and on December 19, 2013, in a letter to USA Today, he wrote:

"Our behavior detection officers also enable tens of thousands of low-risk passengers the opportunity to receive expedited screening every day. In fact, as part of a larger effort that relies on the observational techniques employed by our BDOs, 219,000 passengers were selected to go through expedited screening Dec. 1."

And for those of you complaining about the unwashed masses being allowed into Pre-Check lines, he also wrote:

"We expect that number to continue growing."

BTW, both these letters were in response to articles highly critical of the BDO program.

Susan Richart said...The Wall Street Journal had an article about Pre-Check this past week. Unfortunately, it's behind a paywall and can't be read by the majority.However, there were five pages of comments to the article, not one wholly supportive of Pre-Check.The comments may be read here:http://tinyurl.com/ljtwc3eI believe the URL opens to page 2 of the comments. On page 1, you will note that the first comment is from Robert Crandell, former chair of American Airlines.screen shot/DHS OIG statementApril 19, 2014 at 7:04 AM.................

Those comments should be required reading for everyone at TSA. They detail exactly why TSA and this program are failures.

So let me see if I have it right TSA, I can sign up for TSA Pre Check if I pay extortion money for a program that is in place at less than 1/4 of all airports and can be denied at any time for no reason?

Sorry george, the next time we write an article involving TSA Pre✓™, we will endeavor to include TSA Pre✓™ more often. We understand that TSA Pre✓™ is an important subject that many people are asking questions on and we are putting out more TSA Pre✓™ articles as we move forward. Hopefully the next article about TSA Pre✓™ will include a few more references to TSA Pre✓™ in order to alleviate any confusion about TSA Pre✓™.

Susan Knisely asked - "Can TSA Pre(check)be denied?"

Yes, it can be denied, there are some automatic disqualifying factors. You can read the eligibility requirements here.

Anon sez - "An excellent program that should be mandatory for all travelers. It should require renewal every year and be self-sustaining with user fees covering costs."

TSA Pre✓™ is designed and operated as a voluntary program. I do not see that changing.

Anon sez - "I guess being on the front lines of the War on Terror leaves little time for proofreading."

This was more of a tech Gremlin that was fed after midnight than a proofreading challenge, although we miss on proofreading from time to time as well!

RB sez - "West, what was that you said about 12/24 hours?"

Even I and other members of the blog team have to take some vacation from time to time.

"Even I and other members of the blog team have to take some vacation from time to time."

Puleeze, West, this has been happening for some time now, to the point where it is now SOP. The Tuesday thread is put up and there are no responses posted to it until the following weekend, after the "oh, look what we found this week" thread has gone up.

West, thank you for you link on what can disqualify you from PreCheck. I asked Customs during my interview for Global Entry and they didn't know. The head of TSA for the airport happened to walk in and she was motioned over by them to answer my question. She said with a straight face that I was asking her questions involving national security and she could not respond. Then she made a speedy exit from the interview room. I honestly did not think it was a secret that if you had a criminal record that might get you excluded or tossed out upon conviction. I have friends that are reluctant to apply for PreCheck because they have a DUI. They thought it would be a waste of time and they'd be out the money. Now that I know that alone will not get you excluded I will direct them to your link.

West, the GAO debunked any claim that the one billion dollar TSA "behavior detection" boondoggle was effective.

Your assertion that people are given a freebie pass through precheck aren't a threat because of the overpaid B.D. screeners is patently false.

99.99999% of all flyers are not a threat to aviation safety. Just let people through WTMD, end the naked pic scanners, end the liquid ban, end the shoe carnival. Don't make anyone pay for it. Stop the secret background checks and FBI fingerprinting to get on a plane in America.

"Mr. Pistole said he has heard the complaints about Precheck lanes getting clogged, and TSA has already decided to stop moving travelers 75 years of age and older into Precheck service, unless they are enrolled, because they sometimes can take 10 minutes to move through. As Precheck enrollment grows, the "managed inclusion" effort will be phased out, he said."

So TSA Administrator John S. Pistole openly admits to discriminating against the elderly.

I call for the immediate removal of John S. Pistol! This country doesn't need anyone on the federal payroll who openly admits to allowing and calling for discrimination of any kind.

Mr. Pistole, tell us, of the 1.8 million people who fly each day what percentage are aged 75 and older?

West, why do you have time to answer questions sarcastically, but ignore a legitimate question about why you people don't just make this the default level of screening for ALL passengers, instead of keeping it as a perk reserved for the wealthy elite?

I paid $100 for 5 years of Global Entry and entered my Known Traveler Number into my American Airlines AAdvantage account. Result = did _not_ get TSA Precheck on a recent American flight. (But, Precheck works fine when I fly Delta, United, and USAirways.) If membership does not guarantee 100% probability of getting Precheck every time we fly, what are we paying for?

Anonymous said...I paid $100 for 5 years of Global Entry and entered my Known Traveler Number into my American Airlines AAdvantage account. Result = did _not_ get TSA Precheck on a recent American flight. (But, Precheck works fine when I fly Delta, United, and USAirways.) If membership does not guarantee 100% probability of getting Precheck every time we fly, what are we paying for?

April 23, 2014 at 12:21 AM

..............................You're paying TSA for the chance of getting Pre Check. TSA can take it from you at any time for any reason. Of course TSA Pre Check is not available at 75% of the countries airports.

"The Wall Street Journal had an article about Pre-Check this past week. Unfortunately, it's behind a paywall and can't be read by the majority. However, there were five pages of comments to the article, not one wholly supportive of Pre-Check."

Unfortunately, many of the comments I read are more unsupportive of allowing the commoners to mix with the elites in the PreCheck line than unsupportive of PreCheck as a program. It is rather nauseating to see so many people willing to sacrifice privacy and the Fourth Amendment for a faster trip through the checkpoint--especially when the speed improvement comes partially from the subjection of the commoners to body imaging and/or frisking.

I was planning on applying for pre check nrxt month but today at DFW security (C3) tsa officers were telling pre check members they could leave their shoes on but liquids, laptops, etc still had to be removed and there was no pass on body scanning. Paying $85 to keep my shoes on is an anti-perk IMO.

I have enjoyed TSA-Precheck but they need to make it so that once you are cleared for a trip, it should be for all segments. My wife and flew from HPN to DCA, both w/ Precheck. The return flight the next day - she had it and I did not. Less than two weeks later we did the same trip, but stayed a few days longer. HPN to DCA we both had Pre-check. On the return I had it and she did not. Both of these trips were on the same airline and each roundtrip was on one reservation for the two of us.

With concerns about air travel somewhat heightened yet again I have some real concerns. It seems that, at least at some airports, Precheck is just a suggestion. People have not gone through any "pre security check." Instead, to keep the regular line moving they pick one Precheck person and then one from the non Precheck to do the ID validation. That's done; however, they then let those people through the Precheck

I have been given Precheck several times in the past year. But last time, even though I went through the PRE lane, I was put through the normal full body scan, remove everything procedure along with the majority of Precheck passengers. About one in four were allowed through the faster procedure.

TSA Precheck is a joke. I'm a Diamond Medallion with Delta, flying hundreds of flights every year. I have a clean record and have provided all my information to Delta to be considered for precheck. I never qualify for precheck and no one knows why, although the airline states they have given all my information to the TSA. Typical government product that does not work and for no good reason. I also routinely see people who have no idea what precheck is being ushered into the quicker precheck lanes. Total chaos.

@Susan Knisely: Yes, you can be denied for ANY reason. I'm native born US citizen and have effectively been denied (they won't tell me yes or no, and it's been longer than 45 days). I don't have any of the "disqualifying" offenses, only 1 drug possession 30+ years ago, for which I received a gubernatorial pardon (now I can vote, own guns, etc). According to TSA docs, those convictions if more than 5 years old don't disqualify. The lady who interviewed me also said it would not be a problem, in fact I should be approved in a week or so.

There's literally nothing else in my background that I can figure would disqualify me. I'm now a successful businessman who travels frequently, have never been questioned at airports, have never harassed the TSA folks, lived in the same home for 20+ years, great credit, no other legal issues, etc.

So beware before plopping down your $85 - in my online digging, I've found others with supposedly nothing more than a DUI that have also been disqualified. THEY CAN DENY YOU FOR ANY REASON, OR NO REASON, AND DON'T HAVE TO TELL YOU WHY... AND THE FEE IS NOT REFUNDABLE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

I was got approved for precheck with a DUI on my record. It is the only thing on my record aside from a couple of speeding tickets. I was definitely nervous about putting the non-refundable application fee down but it worked out!

I was denied TSA pre check as mine was within the 5 year window. Even though it was administratively removed through probation and is not part of any public record, it was the plead of 'guilty' on the court record that disqualified me.